NOAA Chief Jane Lubchenco described the Interim Rule as her personal "No. 1 priority" adding, "We have made no decision yet." She promised to put her personal stamp on the final draft.
"We are going to be moving relatively rapidly," Lubchenco said in a telephone interview with the Gloucester Times last evening after she held separate hour-long meetings with fishing interests and afterward environmental groups.
Two members of the New England Fishery Management Council, who met with Lubchenco yesterday, described her as open-minded and curious.
Fisherman Jim Odlin of Portland, Maine, described the meeting as a "learning session. The group that was there pointed out … the unintended consequences … a devastating effect on the economy."
"It was very impressive that she got into the process as early as this," said Rip Cunningham of Dover, editor and publisher of Salt Water Sportsman Magazine.
Vito Giacalone, a Gloucester fishing business owner, acknowledged expert on New England groundfishing, and critic of federal policies was one of six industry representatives who met privately with Lubchenco.
"I’m in the process of listening and fact-finding," she said. "I have a lot of input from NOAA fisheries. It’s important for me to listen to other voices out there"
Dr. Lubchenco is meeting with Senators and Members of Congress this afternoon regarding the Interim Rule Read the complete story in the Gloucester Daily Times: http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_082221430.html?keyword=topstory